Reviews of Ozark National Scenic Riverways (Park)

Mary Bailey

One of best floats around. I have kayak down this river three times and loved every minute of it.

Aaron

Beautiful park. Hunting and fishing. Great picnic spot. No overnight camping allowed - if the attractive rangers catch you it is a $80 fine. Lots of berries along the path that you are allowed to forage.

RANDY MISEJKA

Love this area! Have floated upper and lower Jack's Fork many times. Need to try the Current too! I hear the Jack's Fork water is cleaner and colder than the Current. That's why we have always done the Jack's Fork!

jason seter

Had water. Was wet. Was scenic. Checks all the boxes! Beautiful trip.

David Arnold

Hilly, rural, beautiful. Fun drive. And took us to Rocky Falls and the bluest spring I've seen in Missouri. Rolling hills. Reminded me of the Smokies.

C

Breathe taking

Nilyum Jhala

Great place to float or canoe. Crowds are minimal in spring. Rentals are reasonable with different rates on weekend and weekdays

Ben Guy

recommend. Away from it all.

Chris Stevenson

Beautiful and peaceful rivers. The water is so clear you can see to the bottom in most places.

Paula Brooks

Beautiful area. Everyone should come explore MO state parks!

Rayann Cochran

Very beautiful, but the camp was run down.

Ed Busick

Great float for kayaks.

Linda Bradley

God's beauty @ it's finest!

United Country American Realty

God's country ! Rivers and creeks are your swimming pools and sunset on the horizon is your backyard.

Angela Taylor

Beautiful place current river is always clean and clear.

Okay baby nature

Beautiful place...the wildhorses are gorgeous.

Teresa Baylor

One of the best places ever!!

Jacqueline Zettel

I will come back again i like it very much. Peacefuly and nice. It is quiet and so lovely. I enjoy the day. I come down from stressful day.

Ivan Bartha

This is one of the most hidden treasures in our public land system. It has become a favorite for me with the intent of visiting the area every year. Take advantage of the NPS interpretation programs and do not miss floating the Current River!

David Russell

Alley springs is a beautiful camp ground.

Pete Pace

Best place ever... great waterways and fun swimming, camping, exploring etc... my favorite

Carol Povolish

Beautiful and definitely primitive camping!

Dean Cole

The float was absolutely beautiful. Pulltite campsite, amazing. We came down here with a group of about 21 people and have the time of our lives.

melanie

Blue Spring/Big Springs Blue spring was one of the most beautiful springs in the area. If you're going to drive there pay special attention to the roads. If you go up 106 from Eminence you go past the bridge about 2 miles up on the right you will see a sign that says Blue Spring trail head. This is the trail head and ALSO the spring entrance. Turn onto that road and at the fork go right towards the trail head. Start walking down the trail from the parking lot(yes there are restrooms in the parking lot) you've got a bit of a hike first you come to a fork in the trail to the right shows hiking, go left. The trail is a bit rough and can be muddy and you have to step across a small creek stepping stones are in place but be prepared to get your feet wet if some needs assistance across. Once you arrive it is incredibly beautiful. Bug spray is a must, Absorine Junior worked great to repel the nats. Lots of ticks up there this year also. One of the bluest springs there. ENJOY! Big Springs If your going to Big Springs be advised the bridge is out and will be under construction for most of the 2019 season they said. You cannot enter through the main park entrance. But, if you are coming up the road near the park from the highway (Winona way) there is a church on the left, turn before the church onto a paved road it will take you into the park. Just sharing this because there were no signs explaining this to use we had to ask the construction crews in the area. Big Springs is amazing and huge. Gorgeous pictures. Beware of the bugs bring repellant, restroom are nice and clean handicapped parking. Grounds are nicely maintained and the walk from the parking lot is a short distance and easy. Picnic tables and benches around to relax on.

Beth Statt

Beautiful current river. Big healthy trout. Blue ribbon trophy trout water.

Lyndle Hicks jr

Some of the most beautiful scenery in missouri

Eddie Vick

Went to blue springs. It was beautiful !

Mike Baumgart

It's nice

Aytchie Jansen

One of the great nature reserves in the country. The best of the Ozarks is represented in these preserved forests, carpeting rolling hills and cliffs overlooking crystal clear riverways. A modern day Eden, still held from the knowledge of much of the public, saving it from the swarms of tourists blocking the views in many of our natural gems in the U.S.

Dave Russell

This is a must see, their's so much to do here from camping to hiking and fishing or kayaking or just go here and have picnic it's beautiful all around here.

Sebastian Smith

Lots of fun

Corey Hillebrand

Family tradition for generations!

Cookie Smith

I'm from the Ozarks & so is my Husband. This will always be Home & the most beautiful place on Earth to me. It's truly lovely in the Springtime w/little wildflowers blooming in every nook & cranny.

Sally Fiske

I enjoyed this place. If you like quiet, relaxed atmospheres, I can guarantee you will like it here.

Cindy Schumann

Our family float Jack's Fork River every year. The river is well maintained. There was a section of the river that was changed by the flooding and the park service cut the trees to make it safe and more accessible.

Bobbylee Budde

This has got to be one of the most pretty places in the US. It Is for sure a hidden Gem. The Ozarks are amazing a great family vacation for anyone. Great outdoor activities and great little family owned businesses

Carrie Bridges

Absolutely Beautiful

Donald Forrester

So much fun for the whole family. Had a blast on the water. Loved hiking the trails.

Sylvia Henry

Beautiful view

Scott Moser

Fantastic place!

J.S. Klingemann

I live nearby and this is probably one of the best places in Missouri! Go and visit the beautiful high-cliffs on the Current River... its extraordinary, like the Anduin in The Fellowship of the Ring!

Jonathan Eusey

Don't listen to Google on how to get there. Go to Van Buren for all the park information and maps. Otherwise an incredible park!

Melitta Powell

Always have a wonderful time when we spend it on the river especially when we are able to camp at some of the campgrounds. The app makes it very easy to reserve your spot and I have found the host are the campgrounds very hospitable. That I have found nothing beats a hot shower the end of the day it actually cool your body down makes it easier to sleep.

Eric Salas

It is a huge national park in the Ozarks of southern Missouri with river systems flowing through it. According to National Park Service, the Ozark National Scenic Riverways is the first national park area to protect a river system. Few places in the Ozarks provide a glimpse of the earth’s turbulent past as well as Rocky falls. The reddish-brown rock was formed as molten rock deep within the earth.

brian linderman

Very nice views. Beautiful country

Brian Gillock

Beautiful!

Brandon Radford

Great place for outdoor fun. Canoeing is cheap, fun, & relaxing.

Derek Babcock

Awesome place to visit. Very pretty nature scenes

Turo Tales

Cool, clean water and plenty of things to stop and see on the way. We jumped off cliffs, hiked to gorgeous springs, saw historic sites, and just enjoyed our time on the river. We did over 40 miles in 2 days on kayaks and I can't wait to bring my family back to do it again. Lots of fun. I googled recommend it!

eric jackson

Best floating river scene in the state of Missouri hands down!

Terry McNeely

GREAT!!!! Spent the weekend birding and was impressed.

michele briggs

We had a great time swimming, fishing, snorkeling & soaking up the sun. We spent all day at Blue Spring Public Access. It was clean, very beautiful & very enjoyable.

Kim Holland

We love every trip. So much to see and do. Cannot get enough.

Rodyna L Zabbit

Ozark National Scenic Riverways is the FIRST NATIONAL PARK area to protect a river system. The Current and Jacks Fork Rivers are two of the finest floating rivers you'll find anywhere. Spring-fed, cold and clear they are a delight to canoe, swim, boat or fish. Besides these two famous rivers, the park is home to hundreds of freshwater springs, caves, trails and historic sites. Floating is open year-round, but it's best to to call the NPS park office for current conditions.

Rivers Olustee

Took canoes from cedar groove to jacks fork. Epic trip. Great swimming, hiking, splunking, fishing, and friendly locals.

Frankie Ziegler

There aren't many places on Earth more beautiful than the oldest mountains on the planet. Bluffs, caves, clear water, good people...I love the OZARKS!

Ray B

Love floating down the Current! Beautiful area, generally peaceful, though this year (2017) there was way too much traffic on the river on Saturday, lots of noise and traffic jams. I don’t understand people bringing loud radios to a place that excels for getting away and unplugging. Never any mosquitos, camping is free and plentiful anywhere along the river on the banks. Can’t wait to go back yet again!

Amy Turner

Beautiful scenery!!!!!!! Love this place u couldn't find any finer folks. And always something new to c . Great Service!!!!!!! Luv it! Luv it!!!! Luv it!!!!!!!!

Do More

Simply put... beautiful

Virginia Wilson

Good Family Fun

Cammie Storm

Beautiful place to spend the day, or a weekend.

Jodi Tedders

Do a 4-5 day float/camp trip down the Current River! Love it!

Jon Sedgwick

The Current River is a great place to float and relax.

Bruce Thornton

Grew up in Eminence, Missouri so quite familiar with the park. So many places to explore, don't know where to begin in a review like this. Definitely spring and fall are the best times to visit and if you can avoid the major holidays in the summer you'll have a far more quiet and solitary experiences. I would recommend some of the lesser used campgrounds for some peace and quite... talk to a park ranger or the office for more info in that regards as they can be of much greater help. One of the last great untamed / damned river systems in America, and enjoy the vistas of the hills of an long ago eroded hills of the Ozark plateau. Also don't forget to visit some of the many caves and springs as well. The floating on the very upper portion in the park on Jack's Fork probably allows for the most scenic of floats but check with rangers to make sure river levels are high enough...usually only in the springtime

Mary Paddock

Just a great getaway! Nice campgrounds, easy traveling distance to towns, but not so close you can hear traffic (or get a cell phone signal). The scenery is everything I'd hoped it would be. The mill is a must see, as is Blue Spring, and Rocky Shut-ins.

Meredith Dillon

this place is truly incredible. it would take months to see the entirety of it, but each trail head has its own parking and visible trail markers so even if you’re just passing through you can stop at one site and enjoy it for a second. the roads are windy and can be a little stressful, and service is spotty if at all so grab a map at the headquarters just to be on the safe side. keep your dog on a leash, take only pictures and leave only footprints. it’s gorgeous.

Carla Drollinger

Campground near Van Buren still under repair from flood last year. Alot of regular bathrooms destroyed by flood so pot a potties are plenty. Fairly good walk from electric campsite area to regular flushing restrooms. Camp host are not the happy friendly hosts we have experienced elsewhere. Park rangers needlessly follow you everywhere. Very uncomfortable feeling so we left two days. Just wasnt what we were expecting. The Spring is beautiful tho.

T B

My family and I met at Pultite campgrounds this year for a float on the Current. During our stay we also visited Alley Springs, Round Springs, Echo Bluff, Rocky Falls and Big Spring. Every park ranger that we met at each of these place, including the campground, were extremely informative, very kind and interesting people to talk to. My family thoroughly enjoyed our stay and our visit to all of these places. We stayed 07/31 - 08/04. Thank you for making our stay even more pleasant and for helping preserve such a beautiful piece of our state.

Robyn Cheatham

Absolutely gorgeous!!! If you haven't been you ought to. You won't regret it

gT comer

Lots of sights to see, spread across the area. Perfect for hiking around in the off season, before the paddlers converge.

Ozark Jeep Adventures

Great area. Lots of campgrounds.

Don Cranfill

One incredible destination! Beautiful scenery from a magnificent river. The Fishing is second to none. Wild trout and smallmouth bass all weekend long. The view of the stars up through the trees from shore was absolutely awe inspiring. This will forever be on my short list of favorite destinations!

Christina ODonnell

Absolutely beautiful river! Crystal clear waters, swim/kayak in cave with bubbling springs. Lots of places to camp for free.

Jason McAlister

Highly recommend this on your motorcycle trip.

Joanne Hemphill

Beautiful.

Annette Deguchi

This is a beautiful place to visit in the oldest mountains of North America. Lots to see and do in this area.

Tina Hodges

A National Park that is serine and beautiful makes camping an enjoyment year after year.

Kim Basham

Beautiful place to visit.

Stacy Moore

We come once a year with our kids. It is a blast! They look forward to it every year. They are now 19 and 18 and still look forward to going with us

Bobbi Collins

Beautiful beyond words.

Melanie aka Lanieiniowa

Beautiful area and so much to see. The springs are amazing. Just remember you will have no GPS, no phone service, no guidance of any kind for most of the area. Map things first. Screen shot your directions. Signs to the springs can be very sparce for some of them.

Jerrie Laughlin

Wonderful place to go floating and fishing

Gwynn Farms

Beautiful

Mary Courtney

Amazingly beautiful spots throughout the area. Echo Bluff is breathtaking. Every amenity anyone would want or need! A must see!

Justin S

Great camping and floating. Can't go wrong with the ONSR

tommy huyck

Not bad

Dawn Hoover

So beautiful!!! We had so much fun hiking, fishing, rock hunting!! What a beautiful world God had created for us!!!

Gayle Miller

Beautiful areas to visit

Gina Fisher

The Big Spring and Current River are some of the most beautiful Ozark National Parkways! If you haven't been.. WHAT ON EARTH ARE YOU WAITING FOR? GO.. NOW, REALLY.. GO NOW! FALL is so beautiful there.. The amazing tree colors, the beautiful water. Just leave your phone at home and enjoy!

Amy Grace

This was once a beautiful river to experience. Now do to jet boats I feel it is completely unsafe to canoe, especially with children. It is like going to lake of the ozarks in a canoe. The way upper section is okay but after around mile 30 all you will hear are the high pitch wailing of jet boats. The last trip i went on there wasnt any wildlife i am guessing due to the noise. Avoid this river!!!

Naman Pandey

Great Kayaking and camping place. Kayaking here can be a bit tiring. Water overall is a little greenish. You can kayak from different spots. Akers Ferry to Pulltite is a good one with caves in between.

Josh Shelton

Beautiful area of the country to visit. Clean rivers, beautiful countryside, friendly people. Love coming here to camp and float.

Garrett W

Pristine natural beauty

Mary Shipman

What's not to love? Clear clean water, great camping

Tony Phillips

Some of the most beautiful scenery in the State of Missouri. Great hiking, fishing, canoeing, horse back riding and relaxation. The air is so clean and the wildlife is still "wild". One of the last few places in Missouri that is untamed. The State and Federal staff have done a WONDERFUL job keeping this place pure! * Also, just passing a tip to anybody visiting, no glass or styrofoam is allowed on any of the waterways. Check park policies before you hike or float.

goesfisherman

Spend some time here

Danny Pankey

Beautiful Scenic country a lot of rivers resorts and lots of Springs

74N14 M1L0

I've been all over the world and the Current River always calls me back. Just a beautiful area. Tubing or kayaking down the river, you see so many amazing birds, animals, caverns... the water is clean and, even on busy summer days, you often feel alone out there. Being out in nature is good for the soul.

Jennifer Bates

Beautiful area. Awesome rivers.

shannon County outdoors

Its a beautiful place im happy to have grown up here and raise my children here. The hunting is amazing

Roostreful

Absolutely gorgeous! Be aware though, this is National Park land, NOT National Forrest!! Even though it is nestled right in with Mark Twain. You can ONLY camp in DESIGNATED spots and do NOT dig holes, take artifacts, harm live trees or collect wild edibles! The exceptions to this are blackberries and mushrooms only while they are in season and there are limits to how much you can take. The Rangers we encountered were very nice, knowledgeable, informative and passionate about nature.

Jackie Johnson

You must see Round Spring Cave! Tickets are offered 30 minutes before tours (currently 10, 12, and 2:00) for groups of up to 15. Adults are $5, kids are $2. There are no reservations, but plenty to see in the area if you have to wait for the next tour (such as Alley Spring or Eminence). The cave is only illuminated by lanterns carried in. We saw two species of cave salamanders, and evidence of extinct cave bears. This was one of the best cave tours I have been to.

Mary Tenny

It's well worth seeing!!! It is Gorgeous!!!

Kevin Whitaker

Miss the days when the Shockleys owned the farm across from what is now called hickory landing.It used to be called John Jordan's.Mr Bourban had an old shack on the road coming in from E highway. He had a big lake there that the riverways let the spillway deteriorat. The lake is now dry. The people along the river were friends. Now they've resold the homes I thought they should have been given back to their rightful owners. Land they gave property owners little for is now worth millions. I still enjoy the river but I think the people who used it back then took a lot better care of it than the government does now and for a lot less money. In saying all that it's my favorite place in the world. I've been all over the country fishing and hunting and I enjoy this little slice of heaven the best.

Amanda Horst

Floated Current River from Akers Ferry to Pulltite Campground. The water was high enough to float, no flooding. There are still a lot of trees down from last year's flood that caused some hazards. The water was clean and blue, no trash visible. Quiet on a Tuesday afternoon.

Simon Yoder

Great hospitality. Awesome scenery. Very reasonable prices.

Rosario Flores-Rodriguez

Beautiful parks. Great river rafting and scenic views

Freedom Chaney

It is a nice long drive to see the beautiful nature. If you have a day to spend hiking this is a great place to go.. Devil's well

Rebecca Graeter

Beautiful. Nice picnic area and a swing set where I stopped.

Johnny Lawler

Pure heaven. Water is so clear you can get in chin deep & watch the crawdads or fish swimming at your feet. This is my most favorite place on earth.

Copernicus Czyzniejewski

The trails were pretty good, the river was beautiful, and the tours were good, too.

kevin bowers

Great place to hunt and meet very nice people

Sophia Maring

Great slightly unknown place for kids and adults to hang out in nature.

Angela D

It was beautiful. We visited Big Springs, the Bathrooms were clean. The only issues were lots lots of knats or whatever they're called. You will not regret visiting.

Carole Rule

The land, scenery, and a lot of the people were awesome, but...so disappointed by how commercial everything has become... The Landing was by far totally outrageous on prices. 100.00 for a raft rental! Seems no matter where you go if you're not rich you can't have any fun. Eventually we came to a place that had the most friendly older man that was a campground host...he told us about an affordable camp that was right on the current! Beautiful spot, yet another saga...handful of sites $5. Sweet! Set up camp have a great night float all the next day in a expensive canoe...only one we saw on the river...mostly motor boats flying through like nobody else was there! Since when is it OK to have Morons running up and down the river when there's umpteen people, children, floating all over! It was ridiculous. Van Buren has changed to the point we won't be back...got back to the site only to be told that the one site we picked was not 5 dollars like the rest of the site's it was 30 for two nights! Needless to say pulled up tent and pulled it to next site. Not coming back...but we will find another place on the current because I love that river regardless...

Jannette Herrell

We go every summer. I like that you can see the bottom. My kids are learning to swim there. You can take your dog. A lot of people start floating there.

Natalie Kay Lamar

Love it! So relaxing

rich spicer

Its mostly at your own pace good times if you like quiet times

Andrew Benefield

Absolutely beautiful scenery. Pristine rivers and springs.

Miranda Baker

Family had an amazing time. Will be going back soon

R Kovalski

Super nice place. We were on the current river. Very nice experience, some times flow is rough which gives more fun. We have canoe for two paid 46$, spend 6hours, 4 on the river 2 swimming at some nice spots. The cruise is scenic, halfway true there was cave you get in. I will go there again for sure. I heard that Sunday is less occupied than Saturday. Make reservation online.

ROGER LAWRENCE

Clear water and plenty of sunshine. A very nice day

current river

Bathrooms were horrible.....not enough trash cans

Linda Smith-Sepac

I love the area, I grew up here. Not crazy about the fact the ONSR took most of the properties from the families through eminent domain.

William Smith

Love it can't wait to get back always top notch

Travis Eggeman

Hidden gem. Amazingly clean and clear rivers. Definitely going back to do some boating in the summer.

arron fones

Great place for family camping trips. RV and tent sites are both readily available. Hot showers on site. Everything is walking distance to the river.

Connie Howe

Haven't seen it but hope to.

Mendy Kenney

One of the prettiest places in Missouri. Beautiful crystal clear rock bottom rivers. There are so many things to do here. Lots of choices of floats on the rivers. Everything is well kept and clean. Local people are great here too.

selfslaughter

the scenic river ways feels and looks very untouched

jenna Johnson

BEAUTIFUL ONLY WORD I CAN SAY!!

Jonathan Wiegraffe

Ozark National Scenic Riverways are the best kept secret in Missouri. It's a shame though because the locals could probably benefit from more tourism with jobs in those regions few and far between. When you're hiking the beautiful hills, exploring the caves, fishing or floating the spring-fed rivers, you will be amazed at the tranquil nature surrounding you. Don't miss the wild horses around Round Spring or Eminence. They are a sight to behold for sure.

Geoffrey Havens

Beautiful national park protecting crystal clear Spring fed rivers.

John Behan

Beautiful area, what the Ozarks were like before the huge lakes...

Rick King

Lived here all my life and it is still the best

dawn Miller

Beautiful cool water!! Love current river!! Would def visit again!!

Tina Turner

Gorgeous! Nature at it's finest...

G J

Such amazing rivers and limitless potential for activities ranging from a simple visit to a multi-day kayak trip. The helpful outfitters in the area will provide everything you need to get going on an adventure you'll never forget.

David Avery

Great scenery. Accommodating outfitters. And a courageous park service ready to come to your aid in a crisis

Matt R

Amazing location with tons to do. Great if you like caves, canoeing, or just camping in an amazingly beautiful place.

Christine Dugger

Beautiful water at big spring

Kim Hassos

Absolutely gorgeous!

Bill Mocca

A great place to take your kids.

Ucallit 71

The area (Cedar Grove) once owned by my family.. is still in spite of the government taking it by eminent domain, a great place to visit. Swimming, canoeing and fishing are just some of the things that can be enjoyed during a visit. Just enjoy yourself.. follow the rules and clean up after yourself.

Michelle Mattes

So many beautiful sights. Here are some photos that I shot of places that are connected to Buck Hollow and Blue Springs along the Jack's Fork river.

MrAsmovies

The Govt shutdown has not effected the ONSR experience. The trails and rivers are as beautiful, accessible, and safe as ever. Come enjoy whether you, paddle, hike, bike, or ride horse it's an excellent time to get into the Wild!

Mary Caples

Love this whole area. Floating and exploring has been fun and very beautiful!

Nick Moretina

Clean, beautiful rivers. Great topography. We will be back every year.

Cindy West

The outfitters sent people out on float trips without the concern of safety...no life vests, and not warning customers of potential flooding. Check facts before floating Jack's Fork. On the other hand, it is a beautiful place to visit.

Melissa Rider

Went to the trout farm and saw the stages of growth from small to adult. The walk was beautiful for this time of year. A lot has changed since my last visit. If you haven't been in a while a return would be worth the trip.

Tlm Clark

Beautiful and quiet

Nancy miller

An awesome way to spend a day with friends. Floating on the river.

Scott Parks

What a great place to vacation. Lots of great trails to hike and rivers to canoe! We also found a couple of great small town ice cream shops.

Leslie Hedrick

Beautiful Missouri country. So glad they do their best to protect for all the people to see as nature is.

Michael Sweitzer

Beautiful. Great for the For the family

William combs

Family tradition lovely spot for family and camping

Jeff Sutton

Beautiful place great for a weekend Big Springs is the largest spring in the United states floating hiking fishing crystal clear water

Nathan Albright

Awesome trip!!